Gaming administrator addresses Sovereignty Symposium

Updated:
Thursday, June 2, 2005 7:18 PM EDT

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Indian gaming will be the chief topic at the 18th annual Sovereignty Symposium that kicks off today in Oklahoma City.

National Indian Gaming Commission head Philip Hogen is the keynote speaker and tribal leaders including Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby (ANNA'-tubby) will hold a panel discussion on gaming issues with state Treasurer Scott Meacham.

Oklahoma's tribal casinos are rapidly expanding following voter approval last year of a referendum allowing tribes to offer new games. Several resort-style casinos are planned or are under construction.

The two-day symposium provides a forum for an exchange of views on Indian law. It is one of the pre-eminent conferences in the nation focusing on legal issues involving sovereign tribes.